Human Rights and Intellectual Property: An Overview

Intellectual property rights are recognized as human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and in other international and regional human rights treaties and instruments. However, the relationship between intellectual property systems and human rights is complex and calls for a full understanding of the nature and purposes of the intellectual property system. It is suggested by some that conflicts may exist between the respect for and implementation of current intellectual property systems and other human rights, such as the rights to adequate health care, to education, to share in the benefits of scientific progress, and to participation in cultural life.

In 1998, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, WIPO, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), organized a Panel Discussion on Intellectual Property and Human Rights.

WIPO continues to follow closely relevant developments in human rights and the work of the OHCHR, including the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultual Rights.